Here’s the dilemma. You love the timeless look of traditional furniture styles, but you don’t want your home to appear stuffy and outdated. So how can you furnish your home with classic traditional styles while bringing it into the modern era?

Here are some tips when you want traditional styles with lasting beauty for today’s home.

1. Choose Classic Silhouettes

You can achieve the elegant style of a traditional home by choosing name brand furniture with classic lines but without all the fussy detailing. Choose sofas, loveseats and chairs with classic shapes and simple legs and ditch the embellishments like elaborate carvings that were so popular years ago.

2. Add a Touch of Cotemporary

In today’s world of decorating you can have your traditional furniture, and a modern flair, too. Mix it up by adding a contemporary piece to your Queen Anne or Victorian room to make your home more interesting and less stuffy. In the bedroom, a pair of Hollywood glam mirrored bedside tables can lighten up a room with a heavy dark wood headboard and dresser.

3. Have Fun with Accent Pieces

In today’s world traditional does not have to mean formal. Personalize your home with pieces you love, and don’t be afraid to bring a touch of whimsy to your traditionally furnished room. Add an accent piece like a stylish armoire, floor mirror or wine console that will bring joy to your home. A high style linear fireplace or a dramatic contemporary curio are other options.

4. Go Eclectic
Trust your good taste and select individual pieces instead of furniture sets. Break up traditional bedroom sets and give your home some personality by choosing dressers and nightstands that go together but are not so matchy-matchy. The same goes for the living room. Just make sure that the pieces harmonize with each other by choosing cocktail tables, chairs and consoles with the right scale, color and shape.

5. Anchor the Space with an Area Rug
There was a time not so long ago when oriental rugs were a must for traditional homes. Not anymore! A great way to bring your traditional furnishing into the 21st century is to add an area rug with natural materials. Choosing the right area rug can bring texture, color and pattern into your home and help define a space in your great room.